Damage Caps

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A Republican-backed plan to limit the amount of damages injured Oklahomans could receive for pain and suffering in civil lawsuits to no more than $350,000 has cleared a Senate panel.

The Senate Rules Committee approved the so-called "hard cap" on damages Wednesday over the objection of some senators who say the plan is unconstitutional and takes away the power of jurors to determine fairness in a case.

The bill already has passed the House and now heads to the full Senate.

The damage cap doesn't affect other damages suffered by injured persons like lost wages, loss of future wages and medical expenses.

Collinsville teacher Connie Plumlee, whose face was disfigured as the result of a surgical fire, spoke out against the bill, saying she believes the cap is unfair.